Brennan brothers’ hotel ‘weathers storm’

The five-star hotel business operated by TV’s trouble-shooting hotelier brothers John and Francis Brennan, has “weathered the storm” to record two years of profits.

Newly filed accounts for Beechside Ltd — which operates the brothers’ Park Hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry — show accumulated profits increased by €71,171 to €2.052m in the 12 months to the end of Dec 2012.

The firm’s cash during the year more than doubled from €203,093 to €512,922.

The stars of RTÉ’s hit show At Your Service operate the hotel and in an interview yesterday, John Brennan said that revenues at the hotel increased by 17% in 2012 and by 3% in 2013.

“We’re in good shape and have weathered the storm. It is a steady ship. The books are back in shape and it is onwards and upwards,” he said.

He added that two other ventures he is heading not covered in the Beechside Ltd accounts — namely, Dromquinna Manor and the luxury camping or ‘glamping’ accommodation — are both profitable.

Dromquinna Manor stages wedding receptions and Mr Brennan said the venture’s success has been “phenomenal” and has been fantastic for the Kenmare area in the number of bed nights it is providing.

Around 500,000 TV viewers each week watch the Brennans provide on-screen help and advice to struggling hospitality business owners on how to turn their business around.

The Park Hotel returned to profit in 2012, helped by the Notre Dame-Navy American Football game in Dublin in Sept 2012.